Researchers found an association between lead levels in the shin bone and treatment-resistant high blood pressure in men. The study suggests that cumulative lead burden may be an overlooked risk factor for drug-resistant hypertension.
Research reveals Hispanic infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and d-transposition of the great arteries face poorer outcomes in their first year compared to non-Hispanic white counterparts. Maternal education and insurance status are significant factors contributing to these disparities.
A church-based program combining faith-based lifestyle change with motivational interviewing significantly lowered systolic blood pressure by 5.8 mm Hg, compared to an educational program alone. The study found that the intervention was effective in improving blood pressure control and could be a routine practice in places of worship.
Research suggests that high variability in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar readings is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. Fluctuations in these measures are linked to an increased risk of 127% mortality, 43% heart attack, and 41% stroke.
A study published in Circulation Journal found that increased height increases the risk of developing varicose veins, as well as genes that determine height influencing the development of the condition. Researchers also discovered a strong genetic correlation between deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce the risk of stroke in women over 40. The researchers discovered that this benefit is especially pronounced among women who follow a Mediterranean diet, with a 22% reduced risk compared to those who do not.
Researchers found that counties with higher Hispanic populations faced more economic disadvantages, lack of access to quality health care, and language barriers. This led to higher mortality rates from cardiovascular disease among both Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites.
Resistant hypertension affects 12-15% of patients with high blood pressure, who require three or more medications to control it. Improving lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and weight can lower blood pressure.
A pilot initiative found that home blood pressure monitoring improved hypertension control in 86% of patients. The study also showed significant cost savings from reduced office visits and emergency department costs.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Joint Hypertension 2018 Scientific Sessions found that lifestyle changes, including a healthier diet and regular exercise, can greatly decrease the number of patients who need blood pressure-lowering medicine. By making these changes, nearly half of participants were able to reduce ...
A recent study found that black adults are at higher risk for dangerous blood pressure spikes, with nearly 90% of those experiencing hypertensive crisis being black. The study also revealed that anemia and chronic kidney disease can increase the risk of hypertensive emergencies.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Joint Hypertension Scientific Sessions found that children with food insecurity are more likely to have high blood pressure. The researchers analyzed data from over 7,000 children and found that nearly one-fifth had food insecurity, while more than 12% had high blood pressure.
A study of black women found that those who slept less than 7 hours a night had higher blood pressure and lower levels of physical activity. The researchers suggest that addressing sleep quality is crucial for combating obesity and high blood pressure in this population.
A study found that firefighters who died from cardiac arrest were more likely to have narrowed arteries, an enlarged heart, and increased wall thickness of the left ventricle. These conditions increase the risk of death from cardiac arrest, highlighting the importance of medical screening for firefighters.
A new rapid imaging protocol has been developed and tested in Peru, quickly and cheaply diagnosing heart ailments in patients. The technique, which took 18 minutes and cost $150 per patient, revealed important changes in patient care and satisfied all imaging needs in 89% of patients.
A large study of Australian adults found that psychological distress was linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The researchers estimated that among women, high/very high psychological distress was associated with a 44 percent increased risk of stroke.
Researchers found that young, healthy individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol are still vulnerable to cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, even with a low 10-year risk. Lifestyle interventions and cholesterol-lowering medication may be necessary for these individuals to achieve healthy LDL levels.
Chagas disease, caused by a parasite, has spread to the US and other countries, carrying a high risk of heart disease. Early detection is critical for treatment, which can be cured with medications having a 60-90% success rate.
Researchers found that treatments restoring blood flow to the lower limbs of people with critical limb ischemia can lead to longer survival and reduced healthcare costs compared to amputation. The study analyzed Medicare records of over 72,000 patients diagnosed with primary critical limb ischemia between 2010 and 2015.
A diverse diet may actually lead to consuming more calories and increasing the risk of weight gain. Instead, experts recommend prioritizing a balanced eating pattern that emphasizes whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that older adults who spend less time sitting and more time engaged in light to vigorous physical activity benefit from healthier levels of heart and vessel disease markers. The results showed that increased physical activity was particularly beneficial for...
A new high-sensitivity blood test for cardiac troponin has been found safe and effective in diagnosing heart attacks faster than traditional methods. The test ruled out heart attack in 30-83.8% of patients within three hours, compared to 80.4% with conventional testing.
Researchers found that a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may help protect failing hearts in children and young adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Preliminary studies suggest that supplementing BDNF signaling could be a new way to treat heart complications in this disease.
Researchers found that obese women had a thicker left ventricle, lower E/A ratio, and higher systolic blood pressure compared to normal or overweight women. These changes may explain their predisposition to preeclampsia and cardiovascular complications during pregnancy.
Research suggests that higher body mass index (BMI) can cause changes in the heart's structure and function in young adults, including thicker vessel walls and increased blood pressure. The study used genetic analysis to uncover evidence of a causal link between BMI and cardiovascular measurements.
New research from the American Heart Association found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of first and recurrent heart attacks, even in areas with moderate-to-high levels of traffic pollution. Moderate cycling for four or more hours per week cut the risk of recurrent heart attack by 31 percent.
A recent study found that approximately 75% of black adults and 40% of white women are likely to develop high blood pressure by the age of 55. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
A new study found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in blue-collar workers who responded to the World Trade Center plane attack on September 11, 2001, may increase their risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes Journal, included over 6,800 non-firefighter workers...
A new study published in Journal of the American Heart Association found that young adults who frequently binge drink are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The research revealed that young men who reported repeated binge drinking had higher systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels than non-binge drinker...
Research suggests that standardized online and in-person courses are falling short and need improvement to optimize retention and mastery. The American Heart Association recommends adopting best practices in education, such as mastery learning, spaced practice, and feedback, to enhance CPR skills.
Researchers used gene editing and stem cell technologies to predict genetic variants associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that can lead to sudden cardiac death. The study showed promise for improving the accuracy of gene variant interpretation and diagnostic testing.
Researchers found that e-cigarette flavorings impaired nitric oxide production in endothelial cells, leading to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. The study suggests that flavoring additives may have serious health consequences, particularly for youth tobacco users.
A new clinical trial found that combining wearable devices with financial incentives and personalized goal-setting significantly increased physical activity levels among ischemic heart disease patients. After financial incentives were stopped, the incentive group continued to increase their physical activity.
Researchers found that patients who couldn't resume work after a heart attack experienced lower quality of life, increased depression, and financial difficulties. The study suggests targeting patients at high risk of not returning to work for targeted interventions.
A recent study found that men with erectile dysfunction are twice as likely to experience heart attacks, cardiac arrests, and strokes. The research suggests that ED is an important indicator of cardiovascular risk among middle-aged men.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that high protein diets may be associated with a small increased risk of heart failure in middle-aged men. The study followed 2,441 men over an average of 22 years and found that those who consumed more protein had a slightly higher risk of developing heart failure.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association highlights the unique health risks faced by South Asian Americans, including higher rates of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The statement emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity, to reduce this risk.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that social isolation in patients with heart failure can lead to a higher risk of death and hospitalization. The research, which surveyed over 1,600 patients with heart failure, revealed that those who reported high levels of social isolation were 3.7 times mo...
The American Heart Association advises consuming two servings of non-fried fish per week to reduce heart failure and coronary heart disease risk. Eating oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids substantially outweighs any risks associated with mercury contamination.
Exposure to high levels of air pollution during pregnancy is associated with elevated systolic blood pressure in childhood. The study analyzed data from 1,293 mothers and their children, finding that those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter had a 61% increased risk of elevated blood pressure.
Researchers developed peptide-based nanofibers that target and remove cholesterol deposits from artery walls, reducing plaque burden by up to 11%. Preliminary results demonstrate the potential of non-invasive therapy to reverse atherosclerosis.
A study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that following five healthy habits can significantly improve longevity for both men and women. The research analyzed data from thousands of adults and estimated that maintaining these habits could add over a decade to life expectancy, with women seeing an i...
New research found that men under 50 who smoked had an increased risk of stroke, with the risk increasing as the number of cigarettes smoked daily. The study revealed that even light smokers were 46% more likely to have a stroke than non-smokers, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking to reduce stroke risk.
Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing heart failure in African Americans, with hospitalizations for heart failure nearly three times more likely among current smokers. The study found that smoking a pack or more per day for 15 years was associated with twice the risk of heart failure compared to non-smokers.
A new study found that wildfire smoke exposure is associated with increased rates of ER visits for heart-related complaints, including ischemic heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, and pulmonary embolism, among adults aged 65 and older. The risk was greatest on dense smoke days.
Greater grip strength and physical activity are associated with reduced risk of heart attacks and stroke in individuals with a genetic predisposition for heart disease. Physical activity also reduces cardiovascular events by 49 percent among high-risk individuals.
Depression affects cardiovascular disease patients, leading to poorer healthcare experiences, increased healthcare resource use, and higher health costs. Studies found that undiagnosed depression in cardiovascular patients can result in worse healthcare-related quality of life and more emergency room visits.
Researchers found that people are more likely to choose a daily cup of tea or a pill over exercise to gain extra years of life. Exercise was the least preferred option, with only 63% willing to do it for an extra month.
A study analyzing online messages about implanted cardiac defibrillators found that about 25% of the advice was inappropriate and six percent was controversial. The research highlights the need for clinicians to ensure patients receive accurate information outside of doctor's offices, particularly when it comes to complex decisions.
A study found that one in ten low-income families with health insurance experience catastrophic medical expenses for chronic heart disease care. Low-income families are three times more likely to experience a significant financial burden compared to middle- to high-income families.